First CMV-22B arrives at NAS Patuxent River
The US Navy’s first CMV-22B Osprey tiltrotor has arrived at Naval Air Station Patuxent River following its ferry flight from Bell’s Amarillo Assembly Center in Texas.
The aircraft is the first of two that are assigned to the squadron leading the developmental test efforts for the programme, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21. Along with representatives from Boeing and Bell, HX 21 will conduct developmental testing of the aircraft over the next year.
The first operational squadron, Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron 30, is scheduled to receive the aircraft in summer 2020 and operational testing is slated to begin in early 2021.
The CMV-22B is a variant of the MV-22B and is the replacement for the C-2A Greyhound for the Carrier Onboard Delivery mission. The aircraft will be used to transport personnel, mail, supplies and high-priority cargo from shore bases to aircraft carriers at sea. It will be capable of transporting up to 6,000lbs of cargo and/or personnel over a 1,150 nautical mile range.
The CMV-22B variant has a beyond line-of-sight high frequency radio, a public address system for passengers and an improved lighting system for cargo loading. The aircraft will also be capable of internally transporting the F-35C Lightning II engine power module.
CMV-22B is scheduled to achieve initial operational capability in 2021.
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine]()
Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine
Germany has committed to sending Ukraine six of its 21 retiring WS-61 Westland Sea King multirole, amphibious helicopters.
-
![Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook]()
Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook
Boeing has clinched a major contract modification to further its backing of the US Special Operations Command’s MH-47G Chinook aircraft modernisation effort.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut]()
Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut
Two KAI helicopters, the KUH-1E utility helicopter and the Light Attack Helicopter (LAH), have taken centre stage at the Dubai Airshow 2023.
-
![Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter]()
Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter
The Italian Navy now boasts a fleet of 56 NH90 helicopters comprising 46 SH-90As and 10 MH-90As.
-
![Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters]()
Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters
The Argentinian Air Force (FAA) and the Argentinian Naval Aviation Command (COAN) are looking for options to upgrade their helicopter fleets.
-
![DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest]()
DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest
Lockheed Martin promises a boost to the British job market and export opportunities, while strengthening ties with Poland and positioning the UK for a future in rotorcraft technology in the event of a New Medium Helicopter competition triumph.
